Choc bars give indies an edge

07 January, 2011

ByNigel Huddleston

Specialist confectionery cash and carry group Hancocks has launched two new chocolate bar ranges and is promising a raft of other new products this year.

The 100g Solo range has an rrp of 59p, which Hancocks said could provide a margin of 34%. It is available in four varieties: Dark, Milk, Milk Chocolate with Hazelnuts, and Milk Chocolate with Peanuts & Raisins.

The second new range is five 150g filled chocolate bars with an rrp of £1, giving a margin of 37%. The varieties in the filled bar range are: Marzipan, Amaretto, Whisky & Coffee, and Strawberry & Mint.

Purchasing director Jonathan Summerley said: “Many shoppers remain value-driven and independent retailers need to have some choice in confectionery. They can provide for this need while still remaining profitable.

“With branded chocolate multipacks available in the supermarkets for £1, smaller stores are left selling single branded bars for rrps in excess of 50p, squeezing their margins dry.”?He added: “In 2011, we intend to launch a good number of confectionery products, designed to help retailers establish a real point of difference.

“While big brands have their place and will drive footfall, they will never reward the smaller retailer with the best margins.

“It’s a case of getting the balance right for your store and remaining margin-savvy.”

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